Whatever the size of your home, when you kids start high school, you need to find a space where they can work and study.
We have always had homework in this house, even when the children were small. But since the teen started at school in September, homework has reached a new level. There is more homework but also work that takes a lot more time. Suddenly, I realised that he really needed a space to study.
Over the last few years, all of the children have got into good habits with homework. They often do their work at the kitchen table, sometimes on their beds and only very occasionally have I caught them doing homework in front of the TV. The kitchen table is fine but there is often people milling around or I am in there cooking or doing jobs and it is all too easy to get distracted.
We have a ‘study’ but the only desk is pretty much taken up by the family computer and to be honest, that room is often a dumping ground for a huge variety of things and it didn’t really make it a particularly inviting place to work. So this half term, the one thing I wanted to do was create a space to study where there was space, calm and no distractions.
Find the perfect desk
I bought a new desk last summer and I spent hours and hours online looking at different desks, trying to find something suitable, easy to build and good value for money. Had I discovered Kit Out My Office back then, it would have been great, as they have the solution. I wanted a desk that was a reasonable size but not too big and easy to build. The UCLIC Create Desk and Drawer from Kit Out My Office is the perfect desk.
The desk comes with a choice of 15 colours and is available in two sizes (800 or 1200 mm width). I opted for the smaller size in white with a blue drawer. It was incredibly simple to build and the drawer comes ready built, ready to attach to the top and it took me about 15 minutes to build.
The end result is a perfect desk for doing homework. The drawer is a great addition as it is a good size and you can put quite a few things inside and it stops the desk from being cluttered.
Keep the desk clutter free
Having built the desk and admired my handiwork, I was keen not to over clutter. On the other side of the room, we have shelves, so that is where we keep any books and I have put spare paper, a dictionary and spare stationery in the drawer.
Add some essential stationery
On the top of the desk, I think it is important to have a pen pot with a selection of pens and pencils and a small desk organizer (I bought both quite from Wilkinsons for less than £5) for a stapler, glue, tippex, post-its and a rubber. That way, when they sit down to work, they should have everything they need but it doesn’t take up too much space.
Don’t forget somewhere to write reminders
I like having either a whiteboard or chalkboard near the desk as it is a great place to write a list of things to do or write down reminders. I opted for a chalkboard as it contrasts well with the white wall and my daughter came up with the phrase ‘homework sweet homework’ which she thought was hilarious, knowing that her brothers are not fans of homework at all.
Add in a comfy chair
If someone has to sit for a long period of time, it needs to be on a comfortable chair. I know from my own experience that having an uncomfortable chair to sit on is not going to inspire you to sit for very long. Office chairs can be pricey but it is worth shopping around as many are designed to be the right position for you to sit comfortably. We managed to pick up a padded chair for just over £20 and it is perfect as it is adjustable and really comfortable.
Avoid Distractions
If at all possible, the desk or study space needs to be somewhere quiet where there isn’t always going to be people milling around so that your kids can focus on their work. Added to that, it might be worth banning the phones from the area too as my teen always has his phone with him when he does his homework, claiming that he needs it for research purposes. The reality is that he then gets sucked into social media, so I now take it off him when he is doing homework so that he can concentrate on the job in hand.
So that is our new space to study, I am pleased with it and both boys have agreed that it is perfect for them so now there is no excuse not to do their homework.
Post in collaboration with Kit Out My Office
The desk looks brilliant – clean, tidy and clutter free! It’s so important to have the space to work – and, as you say, a good chair’s vital too.
That’s a funky little desk you’ve chosen and I think its a good idea that it only has the one drawer and therefore can’t get all cluttered. I have to say I hate homework, it is the bane of my life trying to make sure all the kids have done it. Mich x
Oh you are so right! i struggled working from home with no set desk paces and since last year and adding in a home office I am immensely more productive (thank goodness!) I must admit though my desk isnt as funky as that one!!
That looks fab! We find that as soon as we create space to study or work it gets buried in crap! We’ve just improved our spare room, which is my office, but it’s now more like a bedroom and less like an office!
It looks like you have created a great study space! I need to create myself a perfect work space. I have such a problem keeping things clutter free though x
What a lovely clean and inspiring space. Both my kids’ desks are covered in treasures and the kitchen table is always cluttered, so I like this idea!